Former Ireland international Sean O’Brien handed lengthy ban
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Banned.
Former Ireland international Sean O’Brien has been handed a lengthy suspension by the IRFU following an incident at a Women’s All-Ireland League match.
O’Brien received a 10-week suspension from all Tullow RFC matches after a disciplinary hearing into allegations that he verbally abused a match official during Tullow’s 12-7 victory over Cooke RFC on March 21.
The former Leinster back-rower’s suspension is understood to have come into effect on April 1 and will expire on September 23.
Importantly, the sanction applies only to O’Brien’s involvement with Tullow and has not impacted his role as contact skills coach with Leinster.
O’Brien has remained heavily involved with his hometown club since retiring from professional rugby, regularly helping to coach Tullow’s men’s, women’s and underage teams.
Tullow have also been handed a separate punishment by the IRFU following an unrelated incident during the same match against Cooke.
The club has received a three-match ground closure after alleged abuse of a Cooke player by a spectator.
As a result, Tullow’s Leinster League fixture against Wicklow on Saturday will take place behind closed doors, along with their upcoming Women’s All-Ireland League home matches against Ennis and Cooke.
Tullow confirmed that no supporters will be permitted inside the club grounds for the Wicklow fixture, with attendance restricted to essential personnel.
O’Brien won 56 caps for Ireland during his playing career and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions, while also enjoying a hugely successful spell with Leinster before finishing his professional career with London Irish.
